Challenger side Red Bulls becomes Team RB by order of Riot Games

Riot has not released any background to the decision.

Photo via Riot Games

Red Bulls, one of the newest teams in the EU Challenger Series, has been forced to change their name by Riot Games to Team RB.

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The decision was made as a result of “certain formalities not yet being locked,” according to Riot’s only public comment on the issue.

What exactly these “formalities” are is unclear at this stage.

Riot’s decision could well relate to sponsorship rules as the Red Bull brand sponsors others in the League of Legends scene. One of those individuals is Origen’s Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martínez, who became the first Red Bull athlete in esports in 2015.

This wouldn’t be the first time that an organization has had to withdraw sponsorships from other teams when competing in the EU LCS or Challenger Series. Team Kinguin were forced to cease their sponsorship of EU LCS team G2 Esports when Kinguin entered the EU Challenger Series in Spring.

It isn’t all bad news for Team RB, however, as the team has started off well in the EU Challenger Series. The team were able to beat Schalke 04 in the opening game of the Summer Split earlier today 2-0. Team RB face Wind and Rain next on June 25.

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Adam Newell
Assigning Editor. In 2015, Adam graduated from the University of Aberystwyth with a bachelor's in Media and Communications. Working in the industry for over ten years. If it has anything to do with Nintendo and Pokémon chances are you will see me talking about it, covering, and likely not sleeping while playing it.